9th World Championship in Massage – Copenhagen announces its victors

July 7, 2026 admin

Jeppe Tengbjerg, Founder of the International Massage Association & World Championship in Massage confirms that the 9^th edition broke all records with 290 participants from 59 countries on July 3-4-5, 2026.

The International Massage Association aims to develop and promote the various massage techniques which are practiced by experienced massage therapists worldwide.

The World Championship in Massage is primarily a competition, but at the same time an opportunity for massage therapists to find professional inspiration and networking.

By participating in the World Championship, the massage therapists will get the opportunity to strengthen and improve their skills. A Diploma will be issued for each participant, enabling the Massage Therapists to brand their business in a new way.

Special thanks to these brands and partners: Lemi, RKF, Renpho, GMT Beauty, OSIM, Anna Baroni, Bamboocolic, Beauty Massage School, beeswak & Oil, bfm1992.dk, Fabulo, Global Cupping, Elvira Gentile, JTVM Akademija, Steaminglime, Achedaway, Silvia Wellness & Training, BUA, Reflexovital, Spa on Wheels Greece, Massagenerd, Beauty Massage School, and World Wellness Weekend.

Judges from 27 countries have thoroughly evaluated 5 key criteria with a triple-checked point system:
– Techniques
– Ergonomy and Body Mechanics
– Flow
– Innovation
– Client contact & Empathy

Here are the 2026 RESULTS:

World’s Best Massage Nations: Turkey (1^st), Norway, Czech Republic, Thailand, Japan (5^th)

To participate at the World Massage Championship – Nations Tournament. A country most be represented by minimum 3 participants. 28 countries did so in 2026.

Overall FINAL:

Gold: Yuka Someya, Japan

Silver: Cengizhan Tatar, Turkey

Bronze: Panuwat Srisamajarn, USA

SWEDISH Massage:

Gold: Rasa Aakkiene, Lithuania

Silver: Ioannis Dafnas, Greece

Bronze: Aram Muradyan, Lithuania/Armenia

WELLNESS Massage:

Gold: Yuka Someya, Japan

Silver: Taiana Lima, Brazil

Bronze: Iwona Grzelec, Poland

THAI Massage:

Gold: Amornrat Wannaphong-Koch, Thailand

Silver: Teppong Yindee, Germany

Bronze: Ubonrut Boromthongchum, Thailand

FREESTYLE EASTERN Massage:

Gold: Haojun Qiu, China

Silver: Kuan-Nien Lai (Keith), Taiwan

Bronze: Jose Tanhueco, Canada

FREESTYLE WESTERN Massage:

Gold: Cengizhan Tatar, Turkey

Silver: Masumi Negishi, Japan

Bronze: Ewa Wardega, Poland

FACIAL Massage:

Gold: Rasa Sakaliene, Lithuania

Silver: Umida Tusupbekova, Kazahkstan (Online participant)

Bronze: Dolorés Guillement, France

BODY SHAPING Massage:

Gold: Oleksandr Zheronkin, Ukraine (Online participant) (Not in the picture)

Silver: Marzena Czyzewska, Poland

Bronze: Ivan Lyndiuk, Ukraine

CHAIR Massage:

Gold: Panuwat Srisamajarn, USA

Silver: Anna Quercia, Italy

Bronze: Anne Breinberg, Denmark

Inducted to the IMA Hall of Massage Fame 2026: Slav Marinov & Anna Tsankova, England/Bulgaria

Influencer of the Year 2026: Shokoohe Razmjoo, Iran

Social Media 2026: Edina Leichter

Best Massage Workshop day of the year: Asia Massage Championship by Takuto Kawakami and ITA

Best Master classes of the year: World Massage Festival by Ana Malachowski, USA

Best Massage Event 2026: Liane DUFRESNE – Canadian Massage Summit & Massage Championship

Best National Championship 2026: Magdalena Kaminska, Poland

Teacher of the Year 2025: Radu Dragan, Romania

IMA Ambassador of 2025: Saule Boranshieva, Kazakhstan

IMA Educational Ambassador 2026: Moshe Moreno, Israel

School of the Year 2026: Anna BARONI – Annabel School

New IMA approved School 2026: Letis Formation by Isabelle Trombert, France

Out of 120 nominated videos:

Overall Best video: Frank Yan, Yoki Yuen, Lau Wai Hon, China Hong Kong

Other video awards 2026:

Best Massage Story Telling 2026 VIDEO: Gerarda Cirulli Koley, Italy

Best Massage Therapist Presentation 2026 VIDEO: Pinyapatch Grace Chanyathunyaroj, USA

Best Massage Method Demonstration 2026 VIDEO: Serena Marie Licastro, USA

Best Massage Team Presentation: Edina Leichter, Hungary

Best Massage Teaser 2026 VIDEO: Pamela Locatelli Bergamo, Italy and CDC Studio

Best Massage Reels 2026 VIDEO: Harpa Finnsdóttir, Iceland

Best Massage Video edit 2026: Mads Maul, Denmark

Best Special Massage Promotion 2026 VIDEO: Ewa Wardega, Poland

Best Multi Handed Massage Promotion 2026 VIDEO: Rita Murauskiene Denmark & Khaled Shehada, Germany

Best Massage Event Promotion 2026 VIDEO: World Association of Nuad Thai & Spa

Best Massage Championship Promotion 2026 VIDEO: Catherine Cerezo & Pernel Réalisatiøn, France/Switzerland

More information? Contact: Jeppe Tengbjerg – Founder IMA & World Championship in Massage

WhatsApp +45 20 21 21 98 info@tengbjerg.dk

Save the Date: July 2-3-4, 2027 – 10^th World Championship in Massage Copenhagen

Please follow the IMA Social Medias and find ongoing Inspiration: Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, TikTok, Telegram Channel, Whatsapp Channel, Threads, X, Linkedin

At the International Massage Association we are ongoing try to elevate the Massage Profession via our many Articles, Podcasts, Masterclasses and via the Educational Conference at the World Championship in Massage.

This was the program for the 3 days

Spa On Wheels

2 months ago

The World Massage Championship in Copenhagen is truly my second home. For the past 9 years, As a I have had the honor of being part of this amazing organization as a teacher and judge, and every year I leave feeling inspired, moved, and deeply grateful.

It is a place where passion, knowledge, talent, and heart come together. I have learned from others, been influenced and inspired by incredible professionals, and I have also had the joy of teaching and sharing my own experience.

This championship is more than an event — it is a family, a community, and a celebration of the art of massage. I am proud and thankful to be part of it. Five stars from my heart!
Konstantina Makri

Naiara Gatto

Muzio Massothérapie

3 months ago

Dharma Rao

4 months ago

IMA is an organization that is unmatched in the world! Massage is a process that can make people more active in their personal and social life, and therefore there are many different types of massage around the world. Despite the incredible benefits of massage, some people in different parts of the world still do not have healthy thoughts about massage. An organization like IMA has taken massage to an unprecedented place in the world today, which is why many massage therapists are embracing this profession with now great respect. IMA is an organization whose beautiful activism has made Copenhagen, Denmark, a meeting place around the world. IMA's determination to make life beautiful for every person in the world is commendable through massage therapy.

Marketa Vlckova

6 months ago

Miki Kruger (Massage Miki)

Theresa Hensley

Harpa Finnsdottir

Awesome and beautyful inviroment no doubt in my mind.

Miranda Roe

If you love being a massage therapist, you NEED to make it to one of the IMA championships. They are so educational and a great place to meet therapists from around the world with the same mindset.

Gerarda Cirulli Koley

Best experience ever 💪🏻

tibor

Congratulations IMA Team 🙏❣️🏆🥇

Andre Jones

I have had a great experience from USA interacting with the IMA team. I am a Licensed Massage Therapist from USA and have been following IMA for some time. I am inspired by Massage Therapist from around the world as they share their unique styles and modalities. I hope to participate in Denmark someday soon.

Pamela Golden

Tibor Csaba 'Dr.Kovács

Pamela Locatelli

7 months ago

rowena valentina hankins

8 months ago

Been learning a lot from this page. As a massage therapist. Im expressing my heartfelt thanks

Camilla Goldstrand Lauridsen

Francia Montanio

9 months ago

KABIR AITSEGAME

Marie Stewart

1 year ago

Thank you jeppe and the team you are so awesome miss physically being with you all
Seeing you daily online videos sounds and listening tocthe viking mantra places me in the space of unity immediately
Thank you to the love energy

Gvantsa Khoperia

My name is gvantsa khoperia
I world champion
IMA Ambasador
IMA Teacher
IMA Gudge
IMA the best organization world 🌎
IMA my female.

My name is gvantsa khoperia
I world champion
IMA Ambasador
IMA Teacher
IMA Gudge
I attended the basic teacher training course as well as the jury training course, which was one of the most interesting courses, I used this knowledge successfully with my students. Thank you IMA for giving me this opportunity.
IMA the best organization world 🌎

Surya Bahdur Karki

I am working on this Massage(SPA) therapy , Yoga and Naturopathic field since 1984 in Nepal. It is very useful service for human being globally. we can treated many disease by these systems.

الشاعر مدحت حمادى

Excellent

ممتازة

Karine Boivin

khatereh zandiyeh

Pia Lyng-Hansen

cool, fun and a great opportunity to learn. Thank you.

Anna Baroni

Dear therapist friends,
Creating a video for a championship increases your visibility in the sector, you are known by the world of massage, it increases your professional growth and every time I made a video by participating in this competition I donated all my experience, and I tried to convey my passion, my art, my techniques.
It takes commitment, love and innovation to make a video and capture the public's attention.
I think the most important ingredient is to convey an important message, furthermore I had a lot of fun every time I chose to present a new video and I am sure that participating with one of our videos will remain in the history of massage, because Ima represents the
the only large and true association that represents the union of all therapists in the world to disseminate the art of massage. Every year. I have presented several of my videos with my different massage techniques and also this year 24 without any expectations and to my great amazement
On June 24 in Copenhagen I won like
Best video in the teachers category.
Go see it on you tube Ima.
Anna Baroni
The lady of emotions, as the great Constantine Barbu christened me
The mother of massage for many Masters and judges but there is a reason why
I was the first in the world of massage in 1995 to have two great intuitions:
👑The first combines 7 techniques into one
My. Physiomassage
👑The second is to bring the stretching technique to the table.
My. Postural stretching
Thanks @jeppeTiengberg
Anna Baroni master ♥️

Cari Amici terapisti,
Creare un video per un campionato aumenta la tua visibilità nel settore, vieni conosciuto dal mondo del massaggio, aumenta la tua crescita professionale e ogni volta che io ho realizzato un video partecipando a questo concorso ho donato tutta la mia esperienza, e ho cercato di trasmettere la mia passione la mia arte le mie tecniche,.
Occorre impegno e amore e innovazione per realizzare un video e colpire l attenzione del pubblico.
Penso che l ingrediente più importante sia trasmettere un messaggio importante, inoltre mi sono divertita tanto ogni volta che ho scelto di presentare un nuovo video e sono sicura che partecipare con un nostro video questo rimarrà nella storia del massaggio, perché Ima rappresenta l
l 'unica grande e vera associazione che rappresenta l unione di tutti i terapisti del mondo per divulgare l arte del massaggio. Ogni anno. Ho Presentato diversi miei video con le mie diverse tecniche di massaggio e anche questo anno 24 senza alcuna aspettativa e con grande mio stupore
A giugno 24 a Copenaghen ho vinto come
Miglior video nella categoria insegnanti.
Andandate a vederlo su you tube Ima.
Anna Baroni
La signora delle emozioni così il grande Constantine Barbu mi ha battezzata
La mamma del massaggio per molti Masters e giudici ma c è un perche
Sono stata la prima nel mondo del massaggio nel 1995 ad avere due grandi intuizioni :
👑La prima unire 7 tecniche in una sola
Il mio. Fisiomassaggio
👑La seconda portare tt la tecnica del thsi stretching sul lettino.
Il mio. Postural stretching
Grazie @jeppeTiengberg
Anna Baroni master ♥️

Ruby Tolentino Sanches

I had the honor of participating in the 7th Massage Competition held in Copenhagen, Denmark, last June about 250 over participants from 50 over countries.
During this event, I encountered numerous massage therapists who profoundly inspired me till now, we made connectionson social media, learning new techniques from them as well.
The competition venue was expansive and expertly designed to accommodate all categories of massage.

Mr. Jeppe, my greatest idol, was exceptionally engaged throughout the event. His energy seemed boundless, akin to a rechargeable battery, as he was present everywhere, capturing videos and photographs of all participants and conducting interviews with us.

Wishing all my fellow "muscle kneaders" the best of luck; may you enjoy this truly remarkable experience in your lives!

I extend my gratitude to IMA for providing this extraordinary opportunity to showcase our talents to the world.

PS
Let me know if you need some tips on accommodation, walking distance to the venue 😉

Mabuhay! 🇵🇭

Jurij Juriak

2 years ago

Jesus Gomez

PRASANNA GAMAGE

Thanking for IMA , Share the valuable informations.

Cornelia N

Superb quality information, a true ambassador for massage therapy!

Vlad-Florin Panait

I had an amazing weekend learning about advanced techniques of holistic massage. It was a great experience and I want to thank Kinga and Jeppe for these lessons.

Alligator Tab

Excellent experience. I was impressed after the course.

Kinga Jenei

Bridgette Mensah

I am a massage therapist and I appreciate the article in the sence that reading through refreshes my mind and has also helped me to know I'm using the right techniques in my practice and my clients are always amazed after I treat them.

Thank you! So much for sharing it has been enlighten!

Natalija Ilic

Fantastisk konkurrence!!!

Nataly Werthaim

"I took an amazing massage course from IMA, which greatly enhanced my knowledge. It was very well explained and presented with high professionalism. Thank you so much, Jeppe & Kinga ❤️"

May Au

It is a great honor to receive the NMC Overall Winner Award 2024, and I am truly grateful to have Jeppe present it to me. His experience and skills are admired globally, and he is not only highly knowledgeable but also generous and supportive. I feel fortunate to learn from him and I hope we can all continue working together in the massage field to achieve great things. Thank you so much, Jeppe!

Sami Stressade

The International Massage World Championships (IMA) in Copenhagen was an extraordinary experience. It provided a unique platform to compete with the best massage therapists in the world and learn advanced techniques at the highest level.
The professional exchange, the valuable feedback from the jury and the inspiring atmosphere have significantly expanded my skills. An absolute recommendation for anyone who wants to perfect their art and make international connections.

A special thank you goes to Jeppe Tengbjerg, founder and CEO of the International Massage Association and organizer of the World Championships in Massage. Without his vision and commitment, this outstanding event would not have been possible.

Amanda J M.

Thank you very much for the lessons that IMA has shared with the public... this knowledge will forever be useful for me to grow even more.. hugs and kisses 💆‍♂️🌎🕊🙏😇

semenuk-t Tanya

Very interesting, informative. A colossal experience. Exchange of skills and techniques. Friendly atmosphere....❤️❤️❤️It is worth taking part in order to grow and become better.

Massage World Magazine International

I have attended the IMA World massage Champs since 2017, it’s a must in the June calendar each year. Go visit or compete!! Copenhagen is a great City break aswell.

Tereze Belkova

An excellent school where you can not only learn different massage techniques, but also improve your skills. A place that brings together massage professionals from all over the world by organising the World Massage Championships in Denmark.

Michael Pedersen

Huge praise for holding dm in massage 2024.
Warm atmosphere, good energy and super well organised.

A school that is passionate about giving students the best possible education.

Can only warmly recommend the school.

Kæmpe stor ros for at afholde dm i massage 2024.
Varm atmosfære, god energi og super godt tilrettelagt.

En skole der brænder for at give eleverne, den bedst mulige uddannelse.

Kan kun på det varmeste anbefale skolen.

Carsten Anderslund

Carl Newbury

I have been attending Jeppe's events in Copenhagen since 2017. The World Championship in Massage is the highlight of my year networking with massage therapists from all over the World. Well Done Jeppe

Victoria Bilousova

Thank you so much for an amazing World Massage Championship organized in a high level! A lot of new friends and inspiration I found there😇

Christina Blei-Amatdoelrasit

It was with great pleasure to teach at your school in Denmark, I experienced a good atmosfeer, an interesting class and you as host/teacher mr. Jeppe Tengbjerg.
Also thank you for the colaboration to teach at my school in Lelystad the Netherlands last year, it is of great interest to learn from each other and I welcome you again, this year in september 2024.
SoeReiMas Courses & Coaching
Lelystad the Netherlands

Chutima Hälg

I recently had the pleasure of attending a massage seminar jointly organized by IMA Academy and Chiida Academy, and I must say it was a truly enriching experience. The seminar, led by a professional instructor, was a perfect blend of theory and practice, offering valuable insights into the art of massage therapy. The theoretical aspects covered were comprehensive and informative, providing a solid foundation of knowledge for all participants. From anatomy and physiology to various massage techniques and their applications, every aspect was explained with clarity and depth. It was evident that the instructor was not only knowledgeable but also passionate about imparting their expertise to the students. What truly stood out about this seminar was the emphasis on hands-on practice. Participants were given ample opportunities to apply the theoretical concepts they had learned in a supportive and nurturing environment. The instructor's guidance and feedback were invaluable in honing our skills and techniques. Moreover, I was impressed by the caring attitude and thoughtfulness shown towards the students throughout the seminar. From providing necessary materials to addressing individual queries and concerns, the organizers ensured that everyone felt valued and supported. I would like to extend my gratitude to Mr. Jeppe Tengbjerg for his exceptional leadership in making this seminar a resounding success. His expertise, patience, and genuine dedication to the art of massage therapy were truly inspiring.In conclusion, the collaborative effort between IMA Academy and Chiida Academy in presenting this massage seminar was commendable. It was a rewarding experience that left me feeling empowered and equipped with valuable knowledge and skills. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of massage therapy or embark on a career in this field.

Corpore Vital

Professionalism and education at the highest level. The students are very attentive and involved in the way the information is conveyed and because there is a lot of practice, the course becomes even more exciting. Congratulations for the interactive way in which you transmit the information.

Constantin Roman

3 years ago

Jeg mødte Jeppe Tengbjerg for første gang ved det første World Massage Championship i 2017. Siden da har vi krydset veje mange gange, i forskellige samarbejder relateret til massageverdenen: internationale konkurrencer, danske konkurrencer, kurser, workshops, seminarer, masterclasses mv. . Her var Jeppe skaberen, arrangøren eller i det mindste var han en væsentlig faktor i dannelsen af disse værdifulde platforme for uddannelse, inspiration og promovering, for alle dem, der er involveret i massageverdenen, både som massageudbydere og som massageforbrugere.
Jeppe har ydet et kæmpe bidrag til at fremme massageværdier i Danmark og verden. Der kunne siges meget om dette bidrag og om hans egenskaber som professionel og som person. Måske allervigtigst er, at Jeppe Tengbjerg er en inspiration og et forbillede. Han samler flittigt viden og erfaringer, hvorfra han skaber en kilde til ny viden og erfaring til andre og giver den videre.
I dag er der allerede mange mennesker i verden, som har nydt godt af det kolossale arbejde, Jeppe konstant udfører. Jeppe er for mig et eksempel på flid, vedholdenhed og engagement.
Jeg synes, at Jeppe Tengbjerg er et navn, der allerede er trådt ind i massagens historie.
Vil du vide mere om Jeppes arbejde, så følg ham tæt på alle digitale kanaler, hvor han har publiceret talrige artikler og relevante materialer.
Hvis du er en massageterapeut interesseret i at blive endnu bedre, så deltag i konkurrencer eller uddannelser promoveret af Jeppe Tengbjerg.
Drømmer du om at blive massør, så kontakt Jeppe Tengbjerg.

Camilla Ring

Har taget flere både uddannelser og kurser hos Jeppe og har kun godt at sige om det. Jeg har været rigtig tilfreds og bruger hver dag, al min tillærte viden i min klinik ✨

Anne Breinberg

God skole med et bredt spektrum af sundhedsuddannelser - både enkeltstående og overbyggende.
Jeg har tidligere taget massøruddannelsen og hvad dertil hører og er pt. i gang med zoneterapiuddannelsen.

Helene Baumann

Jeg har taget både grunduddannelsen, skadesterapeut, thai yoga massage samt sundhedsfaglig grunduddannelse hos tengbjerg massørskole og jeg er så tilfreds. Man lærer utrolig meget på kurserne og underviserne er så kompetente! Hvis man overvejer at blive massør, kan jeg på det kraftigste anbefale at man smutter til Næstved! :-)

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9th World Championship in Massage – Copenhagen announces its victors

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